Gov. Bullock issues statement on wildfires

HELENA- Governor Steve Bullock says the state is using every available resource to fight wildfires and severe fire conditions are likely to continue.

In a statement issued Monday, the Governor says, “The reality is Montana is in a severe drought, and the conditions are ripe for continued severe fires throughout September. Local, state and federal partners are working together to ensure we are and will continue to use every available resource to fight these fires.”

The statement comes following a challenging end to August. During the last week of August and the first week of September tens of thousands of new acres burned, hundreds more people have evacuated from fires and Glacier National Park’s historic Sperry Chalet burned down.

On Friday Bullock declared a fire disaster in Montana. The declaration allows him to continue to tap more resources like the National Guard to help fight fires. Bullock also said in a news release that the state is in regular contact with FEMA on possible assistance for firefighters.

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According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of Sept. 4, Montana had 26 large active wildfires that have burned more than 700,000 acres.

Here is Gov. Steve Bullock’s full statement:

“We are facing a very challenging and unprecedented fire season in Montana and throughout the West. Lisa and my thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors whose homes and businesses are being affected, and with the brave men and women who are doing an incredible job protecting Montanans and fighting these fires.

The reality is Montana is in a severe drought and the conditions are ripe for continued severe fires throughout September. Local, state and federal partners are working together to ensure we are and will continue to use every available resource to fight these fires.

This has been a long and incredibly difficult fire season and conditions this week will continue to be challenging. Everyone – residents, visitors, volunteers – must continue to stay safe, stay informed, and continue to support our firefighters, our communities, and businesses impacted by fires.”